Robert Treat Paine Papers, Volume 2
I1 am informed by my Tennant John Hathway, that one John Briggs of Barclay, has been cutteing Wood on my Farm at Freetown, and that tis thought he has for a longtime been trespassing on me, but could never before gett Sufficient proof, which Hathaway now thinks, there is, I should therefore be oblig'd to you if you'll prosecute him for Cutteing Wood off my Land. Hathaway will inform you what Evidence he has, & will follow what directions you may give him, whatever the Charge may be shall Chearfully pay you, when I may have the pleasure of seeing you, I am Sir Yor. most hume. Servant
John Borland (1729–1775), a wealthy Boston merchant who sold his commercial interests early and retired to estates in Cambridge and Braintree. During the Revolution, his property was seized and sold with Richard Cranch acting as the agent, although much was restored to the heirs after the Revolution. The Braintree home was among property later recovered by the family and was sold in 1787 to John Adams. It is now the Adams National Historical Site. RTP purchased Borland's Boston house for his own residence (Sibley's Harvard Graduates, 12:243–244).
By Mr. Adams I send this how do ye? and hope it will meet you at Plymouth in health & high spirits. You was so low when last in town that I have had many uneasy thots lest you were sick, Germantown regrets the loss of your propos'd visit, & wish you better health when you come this way again. I want to hear how the plan goes on for building, or whether the House is sold, I can hardly realize you in a house of your own whatever the matter is, whether long habit has Establisht it as right for us to lead vagrant lives, or that there is no propriety in sitting down here, I can't determine. I believe tis the wife thats wanting to fix you Even in imagination so I'll Conceive a Companion for my own pleasure in thinking of you, if you never find her twill be no more of a dream than many of the plans in greater & more forcible minds than mine but I'll445know if the house is like to be ready least I feel a disapointment in having got a wife and no where to put her. You'll perceive Im very vacant, the East wind has scatter'd me. I hope they wont blow much longer, I shall not have an Existance if they do. Tis a sad thing to be rule'd by the winds, but a worse to repine at the constant Course of Seasons therefore Ill hope for the mild Zepheyr to chear my Spirits against your return. My Compliments &c. to any that may Enquire after me in your travells. I have not an article of News to send so you must Esteem this token for its simplicity, It bringeth you no ill & wisheth you all good from Your Ever Affectionate Friend & sister,